As leaders, we spend a lot of our time looking to the future. We want to grow our communities, help people get connected, and see more people come to know Jesus. All of this is good and we must continue to walk with people and continuously point them to Jesus.

One thing that is easy to skip is reflection, but it is one of the most important aspects of leadership. We need to slow down and take time to think about our year and set a few goals for the new year.

Spend some time reviewing your year. Take a journal and write down things that went well. It doesn’t need to be a large thing, it simply needs to be something that was important for you. It could be personal, community group, or work related. Here is a great article to help with the process, if you want more guidance: Article by Matt Perman.

Lastly, make a few goals for the new year. Think through three areas of your life:

Doctrine — Where do I want to grow in my knowledge of God?
Character — Where do I need to grow in holiness?
Skill — What do I want to learn or improve upon?

Keep your answer to one or two items per category. If you are like me, you will want to grow in 10 areas and learn 25 new skills, and by February 2nd you will have completely given up. Have grace for yourself. No one can grow in everything every year. Identify the top areas and prayerfully consider a plan.

I am looking forward to seeing what God does in and through you in 2016.

Merry Christmas,

James